Hanukkah Begins at Sundown Tuesday, Local Events Planned

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, begins at sundown Tuesday and goes until Dec. 24. The Jewish holiday commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago.

Here is a look at services and celebrations at two area temples:

Temple Shalom Emeth in Burlington

• Tuesday, Dec. 16, 4 p.m. - Carelton Willard Village Hanukkah Program (Grade 6)
• Friday, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. - Hanukkah Family Worship Service
• Sunday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. - Community-wide Hanukkah Party

Temple Emunah in Lexington

• Wednesday, Dec. 17 - 5:30 p.m. dinner, bring your own Hanukkiyah to light. Event includes songs and stories, Hanukkah crafts and a dreidel contest. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under ($50 family cap). RSVP to Jodie Parmer by email at jparmer@templeemunah.org or call 781-861-0300. The temple will also be collecting children’s board books (new or used in good condition), as well as toiletry items to be given to shelters that house women and children.

For a look at all Hanukkah events in the Greater Boston area, check out this comprehensive list from JewishBoston.com >>>